Hindu organizations in Jammu have launched a significant protest, raising serious concerns over the admission process for MBBS seats at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu. The groups have issued a stern warning, threatening to call for a complete shutdown across the Jammu region if their demands are not addressed promptly by the administration.
Core of the Controversy: Alleged Regional Bias
The protest stems from allegations of systematic discrimination against local students from the Jammu province. Demonstrators, led by groups including the Shiv Sena (UT unit), Dogra Front, and other prominent Hindu organizations, gathered at the Press Club in Jammu on Tuesday to voice their grievances. Their central accusation is that the current admission policy is unfairly favoring candidates from the Kashmir valley at the expense of deserving students from Jammu.
The protestors are demanding the creation of a separate merit list specifically for Jammu-based candidates. They argue that this is essential to ensure equitable representation and opportunities for students from the region. The agitation has gained momentum, with protestors carrying banners and raising slogans against the Lieutenant Governor's administration and the health department, whom they hold responsible for the perceived injustice.
Administrative Ultimatum and Shutdown Threat
Leaders of the protesting groups have set a clear deadline for the authorities. They have stated that if the government fails to respond positively to their demand for a separate merit list within a short timeframe, they will be compelled to escalate their agitation. The next step, they warn, will be to call for a comprehensive Jammu bandh, or shutdown, to press for their cause.
This threat of a shutdown indicates the severity of the discontent and the potential for significant disruption to normal life in the region. The protestors have made it clear that they view the admission process as not merely an administrative issue but a matter of regional rights and justice. The situation places considerable pressure on the UT administration to intervene and find a resolution to defuse the growing tension.
Broader Implications and Awaiting Response
The protest highlights longstanding regional sensitivities within Jammu and Kashmir concerning resource allocation and opportunities. The admission process to prestigious professional courses like MBBS is often a flashpoint, with each region advocating fiercely for the interests of its youth. The current standoff at GMC Jammu is a manifestation of these deeper regional aspirations and competition.
As of now, the UT administration and the health department have not issued an official public response to the specific demands raised by the protestors. The coming days are critical, as the administration's action or inaction will determine whether the situation de-escalates or leads to the threatened widespread shutdown. All eyes are on the government to address these allegations of bias and propose a fair solution that satisfies all stakeholders in the sensitive Union Territory.
